Visit Bankside

Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, Bankside is world famous visitor destination and is home to Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and Borough Market. The area is bustling with culture and is richly diverse in the attractions it has on offer.

Galleries and Theatres

Tate Modern is the most visited art gallery in the world, inspiring to both lovers of art and novices. It was opened in 2000 and has a total 10 contemporary art spaces, most of which are free, displaying work from the likes of Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst. Each gallery has a different theme that has been prominent since post war Britain, including a floor dedicated to the expressionist works of the likes of Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Bankside Gallery is home to the Royal Watercolour Society, the oldest in the world, and the Society for Painters and Printmakers. Opened in 1804, the gallery has the largest collection of watercolours in Britain, all of which are on sale and can accommodate most budgets. The Contemporary Applied Arts Centre is also a great place to purchase local art and crafts, with interesting work from the UK’s up and coming artists.

Shakespeare’s Globe was opened in 1997 by Sam Wanamaker and is a reconstruction of the Elizabethan Globe theatre, originally built in 1599. The theatre was a labour of love for Wanamaker, taking over 20 years to build the theatre to the standers he wanted it and now showing the famous bard’s plays day and night. There is also a permanent exhibition, that gives tourists an insight into the word of Shakespeare, the impact he had on London and how the wonderful theatre came to be. History buffs will also love a day out at The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs, both to be found under the famous London Bridge and offering a fun day out for all of the family.

Borough Market

Bankside is full to the brim with delicious restaurants, serving food from all around the world. The ‘Real Greek’ restaurant offers an extensive range of Mediterranean food, including amazing authentic Greek Kebabs, that can be eaten on the terrace as you watch the world go by. Borough Market is one of the oldest and the largest market in London, if not the world, and is a hub for some of the best street food outlets in the world. Roast is an award winning restaurant that prides itself on fresh, local and seasonal British produce, bringing traditional ingredients back to life. The market is packed with stalls selling everything from homemade sourdough bread to Italian style tripe sandwiches and is a real celebration of the bets in British food. If you are in the area of a Sunday, Albion Market offers freshly cooked food to eat and takeaway and showcases the best producers in London at the moment. Wind down your evening with a cocktail at one of the mart bars to at one of the modern bars along the riverbank.